There’s absolutely no reason for reasonable human beings to attach anything more than minimal importance to the Grammys, arbitrary and out-of-touch as they are. Yet every year, we can’t seem to help ourselves from getting swept up by the hoopla and sport of it all. So when the nominations for the 55th Grammy Awards were released late last night, it was hard not to feel a little vindicated by the multiple nominations awarded to the likes of Frank Ocean (a ceremony-leading 6), Miguel (5), and Nas (4). Or be pleasantly surprised by the recognition bestowed upon veteran behind-the-boards staple Salaam Remi, who scored a “Producer of the Year” nomination. Or bemused at alt-pop group fun. managing to land a nod in each of the four major categories*.

It’s all part of the yearly Grammy exercise — dismissing the Awards’ credibility and making a joke of the Recording Academy’s archaic and sometimes downright baffling selections, all while trying to make some sense of it all (and repressing annoyance at your favorite artists being passed over).

For Hip-Hop fans, who seem to have only a tenuous interest in the awards show to begin with, there isn’t a whole lot to get excited about. If you had the misfortune of sitting through the slog that was CBS’ Grammy nomination special, you might have chalked up the wholesale ignoring of rap music to the generally campy vibe of the show (that LL Cool J co-hosted was a bit of regretful irony). But there isn’t a single rap artist represented in any of the Big Four categories, an unfortunate reality that robs us of the opportunity to see Taylor Swift awkwardly present “Record of the Year” to “Ni**as in Paris”.

On the bright side, you could do a lot worse than throwing your hat into the ring with Miguel, whose terrific single “Adorn” is up for “Song of the Year,” or Frank Ocean, who will fight it out for “Album of the Year” (Channel Orange), “Record of the Year” (“Thinkin Bout You”), and “Best New Artist.”

The rap-centric categories read mostly standard fair, with Grammy favorites Kanye West and Jay-Z racking up nominations by the handful. There are a few surprises however: 2 Chainz’ less-than-warmly received Based on a T.R.U. Story nabs an unexpected nom for “Best Rap Album” alongside an otherwise predictable list of releases. Drake, who this time last year would have seemed an obvious choice to dominate the awards on the strength of his commercially and critically adored Take Care, ends up with a somewhat quiet three nominations (none in the general categories). Meanwhile, his Young Money running mate Nicki Minaj got shut out completely, a bit of a shocker considering her superstar stature.

Not quite the Grammys but please take a second and vote for Half Mile Home and the video “So Good” for Best Gospel Video of 2012. We’re up against some heavy weights (I say “we’re” because I directed it) but with your support, we can make HISTORY!!!

Man…”There’s absolutely no reason for reasonable human beings to attach anything more than minimal importance to the Grammys, arbitrary and out-of-touch as they are. Yet every year, we can’t seem to help ourselves from getting swept up by the hoopla and sport of it all.”

This sums up how I feel but I haven’t watched it the last couple of years. As long as Nas wins every category he’s in, I’m good. Although, I do want The Roots to win something for undun, simply a masterpiece. Bumped it non stop since they dropped my first/second semester in college.

7out of 10 albums I loved this year got 0 nominations (Killer Mike, Beach House, Bobby Womack, Grizzly Bear, How to Dress Well etc..) Grammys are on the right path but they need to look out side the major labels. Too many good albums out there to pick from before 2Chainz weak album.

Record Of The Year
– We Are Young – Fun. Featuring Janelle Monáe

Album Of The Year

– El Camino – The Black Keys

Song Of The Year
– “The A Team” – Ed Sheeran, songwriter (Ed Sheeran)

Best New Artist
– Alabama Shakes (Sorry Frank, “Rise to the Sun” is my jam)